If you had asked me about Klong Wan, Thailand three years ago, I wouldn’t have known what to answer. I couldn’t even find it on a map. But after a three-month stay in Thailand a few years ago, I found myself holed up in Klong Wan for 10 days of delightfully unexpected bliss.

Klong Wan is a remote village on the Gulf of Thailand, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Most visitors know Prachuap Khiri Khan from the bustling resort town of Hua Hin – a seemingly endless strip of white sand beaches dotted with high-rise hotels and bustling beach clubs. Klong Wan, in comparison, is an entirely different game. About an hour and a half from Hua Hin, it is sandwiched between national forest and national park, between the mountainous border with Myanmar and the sparkling Gulf of Thailand.

Few Western travelers go to Klong Wan. It’s not the easiest place to reach and most beachgoers opt for destinations with more convenient access. But those who make the trip will be greeted by its laid-back vibe, golden beaches, limestone mountains and lush jungle. Freshly caught seafood dominates the menus of cozy restaurants where little English is rarely spoken. Red and gold temples stand out amid thick groves of palm trees, and sunsets light up the sky behind the misty mountains that share the border with Myanmar.

Klong Wan is not a luxury destination, but what it lacks in five-star amenities it makes up for in rich culture, calm and authenticity that can often be lost in other, more expensive destinations. traffic. While it’s true that 10 days can be enough to go crazy in this sleepy town, Klong Wan is certainly worth the trip for a slice of Thailand that few Western tourists get to see.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Klongwan Resort

Guests are welcomed in the open-air lobby of this intimate resort located in the center of Klong Wan. It has arguably the best location in Klong Wan proper, as well as a swimming pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, a restaurant and a small beach.

Tolani Resort Kuiburi

About 30 minutes north of Klong Wan, Tolani Resort Kuiburi is a striking modern boutique hotel located on a pretty stretch of beachfront. Chic design emphasizes natural materials like wood and exposed stone, while the grounds are full of lush tropical gardens. Modern villas feature lounge chairs and indoor/outdoor showers, and some even offer a private pool.

Sirarun Resort

Surrounded by the dense forests of Namtok Huai Yang National Park, Sirarun Resort wows guests with its private and secluded location in a good way. The vast swimming pool overlooks a magnificent stretch of golden sand beach. Larger villas have living space and direct pool access, and all come with outdoor showers and terraces.

I like Phants Lodge

This resort gets an honorable mention, as it’s about two hours north of Klong Wan, but still worth a visit when staying in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. “I love traveling overland in this area of ​​Thailand because you get to see scenery, visit small towns and meet people that most other Western tourists don’t know,” says Grant Ekelund, senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at Inside Travel Group. “HAS I like ghosts …you can be sitting at the breakfast table and look down and see the elephants eating breakfast right below you.

Best things to do

Beaches

Klong Wan may be far from the tourist trail, but that of course means its beaches are some of the least developed in the country. The stretches of golden sand that border the Gulf of Thailand are discreet, calm and full of magnificent landscapes. Ao Manao is one of the largest, curved around a huge bay. The beach is technically within the military base grounds, but that won’t affect much. Along the shoreline are colorful beach restaurants serving fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Hat Wanakon National Park

Klong Wan is sandwiched between Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park and Hat Wanakon National Park, meaning you’re never far from a great hike, a lovely picnic spot or ‘an undeveloped beach. Hat Wanakon State Park is known for its seaside pine trees, bird watching, and scenic trails along the shoreline. Snorkeling is also fabulous here and many travelers enjoy camping along the beach.

Temples

The area between Klong Wan and Prachuap Khiri Khan town is dotted with spectacular temples. Wat Ao Noi is one of the most popular, with a beachfront location and stunning Buddha statues. Wat Thammikaram’s hillside perch offers visitors stunning panoramic views, while Wat Khao Chong Krachok is invaded by a gang of playful monkeys.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Market

The Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Market occupies an entire pedestrian street overlooking the beach near the Prachuap Khiri Khan town pier. Dozens of food and knickknack vendors set up along the shoreline, filling the air with the smells of sizzling seafood, crispy noodles and hot, spicy sauces. Grab a bit of it all and head to the red-lit pier overlooking the bay and nearby islands: it’s the perfect place for a sunset dinner.

Dan Singkhon Market

Klong Wan is located on the central isthmus of Thailand, which also shares land with Myanmar. The mountains behind Klong Wan serve as the border between the two countries. In the mountains you’ll find the Dan Singkhon Market, a treasure trove of Thai and Burmese crafts and artisan goods (think rugs, gemstone jewelry, ornate wooden carvings, and of course, plenty of fresh flowers and to food). The mountainside market is the place to go to buy souvenirs you probably won’t find elsewhere in Thailand.

Best restaurants

Mai Du Long

Seafood steals the show Mai Du Longa restaurant tucked into a small white seaside building that serves dishes like curried soft-shell crab, grilled whole fish, and fresh squid. The coastline and limestone cliffs provide the perfect backdrop for one of the best seafood meals you’ll have in Thailand.

ร้านอาหารเจ้ณี

Just off Beach Road, this outdoor restaurant is a casual collection of wooden tables and blue plastic chairs, which sets the scene for some really good Thai food. Little to no English is spoken, so if your Thai isn’t up to par, look at what everyone is ordering and point your finger. Shrimp, clams and fish are the specialty here. But be warned: They don’t appeal to American palates, so make sure you can handle your spices.

เชฟชัย ครัวบ้านๆ อาหารป่า

Nestled among tropical foliage in a sandy soil garden, this bamboo restaurant (show your taxi driver the name) serves delicious local dishes, from curries and noodle soups to shrimp and fried pork. Go there in the evening, when the restaurant shines with twinkling lights.

Whale Café

Thailand takes its coffee culture seriously and Klong Wan is no exception. The bright and sparkling Whale Cafélocated right in the city center, serves strong coffee, juices and decadent cakes and pastries. A new beachfront area, part of the Kallapangha Resort, has plenty of soft beanbags and low sofas for lounging and watching the waterfront.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Klong Wan is between November and February, when temperatures are cooler and humidity lower. This is the perfect time to enjoy the open-air markets, pine forests and beautiful beaches. Long sunny days and calm breezes mean conditions are ideal for snorkeling and diving. The monsoon season lasts from June to October, bringing heavy rains and rough seas.

How to get there

Klong Wan is part of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, located about four hours south of Bangkok along the Gulf of Thailand. By plane, you can fly to Hua Hin Airport, which is the closest to Klong Wan. Alternatively, you can travel by train or bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin or Prachuap Khiri Khan. Klong Wan is about an hour and a half south of Hua Hin.

How to get around

To walk: Klong Wan proper is a small community and the town center is easily accessible on foot. If you walk south from town along Beach Road you will also come to some beautiful undeveloped beaches.

Car: If you want to visit nearby attractions like Prachuap Khiri Khan, the temples or the mountain markets, you’ll want to have your own car. Hua Hin has many rental agencies.

Scooter: Prachuap Khiri Khan is home to several motorcycle rental agencies. But keep in mind that scooter travel is among the most dangerous means of transportation, so it is recommended for experienced drivers. And always wear your helmet.

Carpooling: Thailand’s ride-sharing service is called Grab and is available nationwide. Although drivers in Klong Wan may be limited, you will likely be able to take a Grab to and from Prachuap Khiri Khan.